Feeling Crafty, Beaver?

In case you think I’m a big perv, I’m refering to a chain of hardware stores around Chicago: Crafty Beaver Home Centers. Get your minds out of the gutter! Sheesh.
In the past few years I have learned how to knit. I find it to be a relaxing and gratifying activity. Since teaching myself this skill, I have discovered a wealth of craft sites & blogs to inspire my newfound craftiness. It’s a great time to be a wannabe crafter as the craft movement is FIERCE right now. I think my current favorite crafter/artist right now, is Lisa Congdon. I mean, look at this stuff:



Her work just blows me away. All of my collage attempts look like magazine-cut-out-lettered ransom notes. Lisa’s stuff is simply incredible. I used to visit her old blog, A Bird In The Hand daily, but I know the new site will have wonderful inspirations for me.
Another crafty lady is the fantastic Alicia Paulson. A Chicago girl living in the most adorable little house in Portland, I cannot get over the sheer magnitude of craftery this girl can do. The pictures on her site are to die for.

Look at how cute this hallway is! Ugh. I am so jealous. But, I appreciate Alicia’s willingess to share her home with her readers. Thanks!
Another craft site I frequent is The Black Apple. I discovered this amazing artist & crafter through Etsy, one of the greatest sites in the world! I just adore her work:

Last but not least is Camilla Engman. Her art is really amazing. I can’t even describe it properly, so here’s a glimpse of this wonderful artist’s work:


I know I briefly mentioned Etsy before, but I cannot stress how wonderful this site is. If you are looking for affordable artwork, jewelry, gifts, whatever; you will find it here. Please visit Etsy!
I think that’s it for crafting today. I will be back this weekend to post my favorite pop culture sites. It’s going to be great, I swear. Have a terrific Friday!